Reviews from

Grasping the Elusive Dream

Viewing comments for Chapter 21 "Always Concerns to Consider"
The Followup to Chasing the Elusive Dream

21 total reviews 
Comment from Spitfire
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You are on your toes when it comes to protecting your children from being misled by charismatic leaders. Evan too as he worries about a boy who once lived on the streets. Carol and he dad seem close and that's a good thing as they can vent to each other. Going into debt is not an option. That's the way I felt too. Good to hear Don is back on the gymnastic team and shows talent in that area.

 Comment Written 04-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 10-Aug-2023
    Thank you for the review and comments. Kids can manage to give you a lot to worry about.
    Beth
Comment from Mary Vigasin
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The more I read your posts, I see you as the more practical spouse and loving mother wanting to give her children space to grow but wanting them to know she will listen and help when needed and is disappointed when Carol is tight-lipped about her life.
Carol seems more like her dad.
Best wishes,
Mary

 Comment Written 03-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 05-Aug-2023
    Thank you Mary, I think you are probably reading me right. Carol was definitely more like her dad. He finally learned he would was going to have to communicate with me if wanted to get any sleep at night. I kind of broke him from not telling me what I thought I needed to know.
    Beth
Comment from forestport12
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I feel as if really getting to know your family. I get how Carol is like her father. I think our kids personalities were revealed with how they behaved in mother's tummy. I certainly also get how you had them in private schools, but it doesn't mean you were rich. You had priorities. Blessings.

 Comment Written 03-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 03-Aug-2023
    Thank you for an excellent review. I feel is know you better as well for your stories about growing up anr marrying Mary. When we write about ourselves, people start to see us as family. I have no problem with that.
    Beth
Comment from lyenochka
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I remember that friend of Carol's. I think a lot more children did live on the streets after the war in Korea. That's why my grandfather started an orphanage as so many kids were left. I'm glad that you tried your best to keep Carol talking and making time for her.

which was a lot like her dads, (dad's)
to cause Evan and I a few more gray hairs. (Evan and me)

 Comment Written 03-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 03-Aug-2023
    Thank you for the review. I think Tommy wouldn't have been a bad choice for Carol is they stayed in contact. He was very intelligent and became a chemical engineer.
    Beth
reply by lyenochka on 03-Aug-2023
    Evan would probably have eventually accepted him. But I guess Carol didn't want to upset her dad.
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2023
    They stayed in touch for a while but they they weren't on the page any more about things and they argued a lot.
reply by lyenochka on 03-Aug-2023
    That's too bad but then again, I'm glad Carol can hold her own opinions and stand up for them.
Comment from Wendy G
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Would be interested to hear the outcome of Carol going to that. Bible study. Was it legit or did the guy lead her astray? Yes your family life was never boring for sure. Your stories are always interesting and well written.
Wendy

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 03-Aug-2023
    Thank you Windy. Carol started challenging him on some of his ideas. I think some of his thinking might have be dangerous. In the end, she stopped going, but she is still attracted to things I consider a little off base. She too much into some of the conspiracy theories that I think are way out and some of her ideas are more New Age than Christian. I still worry about her, but she is a loving and helpful daughter.
Comment from LJbutterfly
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The story about Carol resonated with me because I remember how I felt about some of my daughter's decisions and friends when she was in college. She would easily share her activities, but I didn't always agree. Now, years later, I see everything turned out okay.

Your family stories always include things that most families deal with...younger children, older children, and family relationships. This is intriguing reading.

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 03-Aug-2023
    Thank your for your excellent reviews. I sure my like is not so different for other peoples. We all have challenges to deal with that may differ but not that much.
    Beth
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
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Brining children up and keeping an eye on them when they are so young is a headache Beth and you were right to be worried about Carol as youngsters can be persuaded by cult leaders and it is a worry. You are sensitive to Carol's character and as a Mother you handled the situation with sensitivity here. They certainly do give you grey hairs! A fine post, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 05-Aug-2023
    Thank you Dolly. Carol eventually realizefd the man was saying some things that were inappropriate and she said he had some issues so she dropped away from th group.
    Beth
Comment from royowen
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I was glad we raised our kids in a bubble, it served them well as parents, I think the young need their emotional knowledge of themselves needs to slow down in this demanding life, they need a refuge. All kids learn at different levels, that's why parenting is difficult. You having four have learnt that. One of our daughters was an open book, the other closed. But yet both turned out well, Phew! Only God can be God, beautifully written, blessings Roy
Typo : No one could vouch for (the) leader...

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 03-Aug-2023
    Thank you Roy. My kids are are different from each other but they are little ways in which they are alike and I seem myself and my husband in some ways in all of them. They all love me and that is what is important.
    Beth
reply by royowen on 03-Aug-2023
    Yes, that is important
Comment from Tom Horonzy
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You haven't a PhD in psychology, have you? Interesting, the differing personalities born from the same DNA, each their own person, and yet given thought, personalities are developed from communal and familial
exposures. Well done.

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 05-Aug-2023
    Thank you Tom. I don't have a degree but I took a lot of psychology courses. I think DNA is a big factor in personalities. Twins separated at birth, still endf up thinking and acting alike no matter who raisedf them.
    Beth
Comment from barbara.wilkey
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Thank you sharing your memoirs with us. I can't wait to see what Christi got into. I have a feeling it has something to do with the religious issue of that leader. But am anxious to find out.

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 06-Aug-2023
    Thank you, Barbara. Raising boys isn't easy, but girls can give you a whole different kinds of problems.
    Beth